Attitudes of Healthcare Workers Regarding National Breast Cancer Screening in Croatia

Introduction: National preventive screening program, such as mammography for women aged 50–69 years, are essential for detecting malignancies at the earliest stage and improving cure rates. Healthcare workers are the most effective promoters of public health prevention programmes. This study examines the response of healthcare workers in Croatia to the program they help promote. Materials and Methods: The study involved 102 female healthcare workers aged 50–72 years in Istria County (Croatia). This study was conducted using a 13-question questionnaire created using Google Form. The data were processed using Microsoft Excel and Statistics 14.0.0.15, adhering to ethical principles and maintaining respondent privacy. Results: The study showed a response rate of 92% among healthcare workers who had received an invitation to undergo mammography screening. The response rate was significantly higher than the average response rate of 60% among the general population of women in Croatia. The main reasons for non-response were practical reasons such as acute illness, lack of information, and working hours. Long-term health education and promotion, better information and advertising, and more flexible working hours have been suggested to increase response rates. Conclusion: Healthcare workers showed higher participation in mammography screening than the general population, reflecting a strong awareness of prevention. Removing practical barriers and improving information could enhance healthcare workers’ motivation to promote these programs and increase their participation in the general population.